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KUALA LUMPUR – All Umno ministers will stay put following a Monday meeting with Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
In a statement today, Muhyiddin said these ministers met him seeking advice on their positions in the cabinet after Umno’s general assembly over the weekend, where the largest Malay-based party severed ties with Bersatu.
He added that the ministers were advised to remain in their positions for the benefit of the people and the nation.
“Currently, the country is focused on battling the Covid-19 pandemic, implementing the national vaccination programme, and restoring the economy.
“Several Umno ministers hold important portfolios related to the country’s current focus. Hence, I do not want their resignation from the cabinet to affect the country’s plans for the pandemic and economy.
“With this, I give my guarantee that the cabinet will function as normal and all government initiatives will be implemented as planned.”
It was reported that the Monday meeting began at 5.30pm and lasted more than an hour. Cars ferrying the ministers were seen leaving the Prime Minister’s Office complex at 6.45pm.
Among those seen exiting the building were Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob (Bera MP) and Energy and Natural Resources Minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah (Lenggong MP).
A car carrying Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba (Tenggara MP) was also seen leaving the place.
Attempts by journalists to get comments from the ministers were futile, as the leaders did not stop to speak to the press.
Last Sunday, Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi issued an ultimatum in his winding-up speech at the Umno General Assembly 2020 – call for elections soon or watch Umno withdraw from the Perikatan Nasional administration.
He had said the resolution had been adopted by the party, but gave no timeline as to when Umno leaders serving in Muhyiddin’s administration must pull out.
“Delegates have given me the mandate to withdraw at any time if they (PN) do not indicate a willingness to call elections soon.
“If we withdraw based on the party’s decision, the Supreme Council, especially those who are ministers, deputy ministers, and GLC chairmen, as well as MPs, will adhere 100% to the directive.
“They will not hesitate to resign as ministers, deputy ministers, and GLC chairmen to abide by the party’s decision.”
Zahid also took a swipe at an Umno minister whom he deemed a turncoat, and called for his resignation.
Though he did not mention a name, it was believed that he meant Federal Territories Minister and former Barisan Nasional secretary-general Tan Sri Annuar Musa.
“We must understand that if we are (appointed) ministers, it is because of the party.
“If there are those among them who are too excited about staying in air-conditioned rooms with comfortable seats, they must realise why they are there.
“This includes the one who is a minister, who is not on this stage, but stabs Umno from behind. If he is a real man, he should resign as minister.”
Meanwhile, Umno number two Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan suggested that the party’s withdrawal from PN could be in August.
“If we agree to pull out in the eighth month (of the year), we will withdraw (from PN) then.
“What is the use of being an elephant in the jungle if a single branch can’t be broken?” he said in his winding-up speech before Zahid’s. – The Vibes, March 31, 2021
